Exmoor Antler

abv: 4.0%

Dark & Nutty

In 1980 the art of making beer returned to the old brewing town of Wiveliscombe when Exmoor Ales, or Golden Hill as it was known then, set up its mash tun in the former home of Arnold & Hancock. Since then, the brewery has remained one of the most successful of the first wave of British microbreweries.

To mark this momentous milestone, the brewery has released Exmoor Antler, their first new beer since the launch of Silver Stallion in 2005. Dark amber in colour, it's a beer that has a lot more bite and character than its 4% abv (alcohol by volume) might suggest. As for what went into the brewing recipe, head brewer Adrian Newman will only let on that 'we used a blend of four different malts and four hops'. Though he does admit that for the first time ever he used the American hop Cascade, a well-regarded hop that offers floral and spicy aromas on a finished beer.

According to Exmoor's Managing Director and owner, Jonathan Price, Exmoor Antler originated 'because we wanted a darker beer that we felt was lacking in our range. Likewise we felt that a 4% beer was also missing. As for the colour, there was a feeling that golden/blonde and IPA styled beers now so over represented, that perhaps the man at the bar would welcome something different. What Adrian has created certainly seems to have done that judging by demand from our customers.

'As for the inspiration behind the Antler name, all our beers' names show a connection with the way of life on Exmoor… both its human activities and its animal inhabitants. But what finally put the Antler name into the frame was the Exmoor Emperor Stag, the tremendous 300lb, 9ft Stag that hit all the headlines during last autumn's rut on Exmoor. The woodcut-style pump clip design symbolises the stag at daybreak with the rising sun behind the antlers.'

Exmoor-based journalist Adrian Tierney-Jones is the author of 1001 Beers You Should Try Before You Die (Cassell) and gave his verdict on the beer: 'Dark amber in colour. Nose of popcorn and buttery, soft toffee with the very slightest hint of chewy Starburst sweets in the background. Full-bodied mouthfeel for its strength, toffee and nuts on the palate, kept in line by a swirl of a ripe fruit bowl; dry, Weetabix-like finish that leaves the palate calling out for more. Given the popcorn and toffee nose it's time to ask your local pub to set up a cinema club and claim the front aisle with a pint of Antler.'

Brewery Website

http://www.exmoorales.co.uk

Greene King St Edmund

abv: 4.2%

Golden & Refreshing

St Edmunds is a fresh, golden beer with a citrus finish, brewed using pale malt and cascade hops. Crafted for modern tastes using traditional brewing methods, this is the perfect introduction to real beer.

Brewery Website

http://www.greeneking.co.uk

The Royal Oak's Acorn Ale

abv: 3.9%

Pale & Malty

The Royal Oak's Acorn Ale is an excellent balance of sweetness and bitterness that combines with a subtle hop character, a distinctive beer with a full and satisfying finish.